When third-seeded Marian lines up at second-seeded Tri-Valley Friday night in a District 11 Class A opening-round playoff game, the Colts won’t have too many questions about their opponent.

The Colts can watch a tape of their district playoff matchup last season in which they posted a 14-6 victory.

In some ways, these run-based teams are mirror images of each other, and they both have 6-4 records.

“We are excited to be back in the district playoffs again and face a familiar opponent in Tri-Valley,” said Marian head coach Billy O’Gurek. “It’s the fourth time we’ve played in the past two seasons, so neither team should surprise the other with what they do.”

During this season when the two teams met Aug. 30 in Week 2, the Colts were corralled by the Bulldogs, 24-0. Marian’s Rory Dixon ran for 92 yards, but the Bulldogs’ Cole Gemberling bullied his way for 187 yards and three touchdowns.

O’Gurek is confident his team can reverse the trend Friday night.

“We struggled to finish drives when we played in Week 2,” said O’Gurek. “We reached the red zone twice in the first three quarters and came away with no points. If we want to be successful this weekend, capitalizing on opportunities will be key. Defensively, I thought we played better than the numbers showed.”

Dixon, the area’s second leading rusher, will be the key to the Colts’ offense. He has gained 1,199 yards on 223 carries for a 5.38 average and 14 touchdowns. The Colts’ ground game has accounted for 1,569 of the team’s 2,113 total offensive yards.

Dylan Rodino has completed 31 of 78 passes for 463 yards, with five touchdowns and four interceptions. His prime target has been Michael Gelatko, who has 23 receptions for 271 yards with four touchdowns.

For Tri-Valley, Gemberling has 647 yards rushing on 119 carries, for a 5.4 average with 15 touchdowns. Patrick Hatter has added 549 yards on 88 carries, for a 6.23 average with five touchdowns.

Bulldogs’ quarterback Blake Schwartz had completed 65 of 121 completions for 957 yards, with seven touchdowns and eight interceptions.

This time around, Marian enters the game with a 21-18 much-needed victory over Nativity last week — which secured their playoff spot — while Tri-Valley was torpedoed by Schuylkill Haven, 66-16.

The Colts do have a two-game winning streak, as they downed Pine Grove 34-7, but the Bulldogs have been tamed with a two-game losing streak, being muzzled by Minersville, 42-14, the previous week.

In spite of some momentum, O’Gurek is keeping everything in perspective from their previous meeting.

“Gemberling is a great running back, and grinded out first downs in the second half to keep the ball away from us,” said O’Gurek. “We must tackle better and keep their quarterback, Schwartz, in the pocket. If we are able to do that, we should be in the ballgame in the second half with a chance to win.”

Gelatko expects plenty of familiarity, but is confident his team can change the course.

“I see the matchup being a very physical game with two teams that have played a lot of football against each other the past two years,” said Gelatko. “I feel we are playing our best football as a team right now. Chemistry-wise, this is one of the closest teams I have ever been a part of.”